Kroenke Takeover

Posted 9th Aug, 2018by Sportquake5 MINUTE SPORT MARKETING WEEK

Arsenal’s majority stakeholder, Stan Kroenke, has had his £600m offer to buy Alisher Usmanov’s share of the club accepted. Kroenke will take full ownership of the Gunners, which would value the club at £1.8bn.

The American currently owns 67% of Arsenal, through his company KSE, with Usmanov agreeing to sell his 30% to Kroenke. In a statement from KSE, the company said, the decision to take the club private will further help Arsenal’s “strategy and ambitions.”

Arsenal fans aren’t impressed with the sale, despite Kroenke saying that the sole ownership will benefit the club. Arsenal Supporters’ Trust called the news “a dreadful day”, as the deal will see the end of fans owning shares in the club they support.

Club legend, Ian Wright, also sympathised with fans posting this message on social media “Incredibly sad day for so many of our fan shareholders that that no longer own a part of this club. Imagine if this wasn't only about money but about the club, the community & the fans - all this new enthusiasm we are witnessing with Unai wouldn't feel like such a waste.”

As well as Arsenal, Kroenke also owns the LA Rams, Colorado Rapids, and esports team the LA Gladiators.